It took the Lady Tigers a while to get rolling, but their defense took control in a 52-26 win over Bolivar in the opening round of the Pink & White Lady Classic.
Republic trailed 11-8 early in the 2nd quarter before outscoring the Liberators 13-3 to take a 21-14 lead at the half. Bolivar managed just 12 points in the 2nd half as the Lady Tigers pulled away.
“It just didn’t look like we were ready to go,” says coach Kris Flood. That first 11 or 12 minutes, we didn’t have any intensity defensively. We just got fortunate they hit some easy shots.”
Republic’s turnaround coincided with Flood’s decision to spring a trapping press on Bolivar around the middle of the 2nd quarter. The Lady Tigers forced 18 Bolivar turnovers.
“We went to the press and it was able to energize us. We were able to get some and easy baskets,” Flood says.
Taylor Fergen led Republic with 15 points. Brylee Manes added 14. Natalie delivered eight points off the bench. Allyson Barrett also had eight. Madi Beckham scored three, while Megan Branstetter and Halli Bartelsmeyer scored two each.
Republic (5) advances to play Mercer County, Kentucky (4), Wednesday at 11 am at Drury University’s O’Reilly Family Event Center. Mercer County beat Miller 73-26 to open the tournament.
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Player of the Game
The Lady Tigers stumbled out of the gate, but a strong 2nd quarter helped them take control, and Taylor Fergen played a big part in that. Fergen broke a 14-14 tie with five straight points to help Republic take control before halftime, and they pulled away for a 52-26 win.
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